A Pilot Initiative

Croatia’s Special Programme for Prostate Cancer Screening and Early Detection is a pilot initiative designed to assess the feasibility of introducing a nationwide organised prostate cancer screening programme. Developed in line with the 2022 Council of the European Union recommendations on cancer screening, the programme aims to improve early detection of prostate cancer, reduce mortality, and identify cancers at a stage when treatment is most effective.

PSA Test

The programme targets men aged 55–69 who have not previously been diagnosed with prostate cancer and have not undergone a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test within the previous year. Participants are invited by their general practitioners to receive a free PSA test and, where indicated, additional diagnostic examinations at no cost.

A Future National Screening Programme

Implemented in the City of Zagreb, the programme evaluates participation rates, effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and organisational requirements for a future national screening programme. The pilot aims to screen 10,000 men and generate evidence to support the development of an organised, population-based approach to prostate cancer early detection in Croatia.